‘Give Japan NUKES to stop WW3’ North Korea crisis sparks calls for MORE weapons – Daily Star

JAPAN should armed with nuclear weapons to deter North Korea from launching a missile strike against the US, an ex-US Navy commander has said.

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North Korea has angered the international community after threatening to fire ballistic missiles towards the US territory of Guam.

It is thought supreme leader Kim Jong-un may order the launch in the coming days after threats of fire and fury from US President Donald Trump.

To curb the threat posed by North Koreas nuclear programme, John M Bird, a retired vice admiral, has called for Japan to be given nukes.

Under Japans post-WW2 constitution, the nation is prohibited from possessing the weapons to wage war, including nukes.

But Mr Bird believes it is time to allow Japan, a major US ally, to develop a nuclear weapons programme of its own to counter North Koreas.

Kim Jong-un has threatened to fire missiles at the island of Guam, where the US has its foothold in the Pacific Ocean a key strategic location. We take a look at the island North Korea want to nuke

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An aerial view of U.S. Naval Base Guam

Earlier this year Japanese Democratic Party head Hiroshi Amazu argued that his nation should have the right to defend itself with nukes.

He said: "Japan can't just wait until it's destroyed.

"It's legally possible for Japan to strike an enemy base that's launching a missile at us, but we don't have the equipment or capability."

If Japan were to become nuclear-armed, Mr Bird said it may deter the totalitarian state from launching an attack on the US or its allies.

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Many thoughtful people have said we should introduce tactical nukes into the Western Pacific.

He said that Japanese nukes would also force China, North Koreas traditional ally, to rein in Jong-un and change its view of THAAD Americas defence missile system.

He said: Many thoughtful people have said we should introduce tactical nukes into the Western Pacific, making signals that Japan no longer considers the US nuclear umbrella adequate and is going their own way.

Those sorts of things will pique Chinas interest. Being that theyre upset about a THAAD, theyd be very upset and not like that option.

And if they thought it was realistic, they China might be willing to really weigh in with the North Koreans. That is only kind of diplomacy thats going to make a difference.

An inside view of North Korea

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His comments come after China warned Jong-un and Trump to slam the breaks on the North Korea crisis.

The US and North Korea were urged to urgently "put the brakes" on provocative actions and words on Tuesday.

Speaking with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday in a phone conversation, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said he wanted to prevent an "August crisis".

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'Give Japan NUKES to stop WW3' North Korea crisis sparks calls for MORE weapons - Daily Star